TAMPA, Fla: The United States has announced it will enforce a maritime blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, with operations set to begin on April 13 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, according to U.S. Central Command.
The move follows a directive issued by the U.S. President, authorizing military forces to monitor and restrict maritime traffic linked to Iran. Officials stated that the blockade will apply to ships of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM emphasized that the enforcement will be “impartial,” targeting all vessels regardless of flag. However, U.S. forces clarified they will not interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, provided ships are traveling to or from non-Iranian ports.
Maritime operators have been advised to stay alert for official navigational updates. U.S. naval authorities will issue formal notices to mariners ahead of the operation, and vessels in the region are urged to maintain communication via standard maritime channels, including bridge-to-bridge radio on Channel 16.
The announcement is expected to heighten tensions in the region, particularly given the strategic importance of the affected waterways for global energy shipments.
